Colorado Wildlife Officials Explain the Most Dangerous Mistake Hikers Make

The mountain lion, or cougar, is one of the most dangerous predators in North America. They roam the forests and mountainous regions of Colorado and tend to avoid human contact. As human settlements extend into the wilderness and human activities increase in mountain lion habitats, human encounters with mountain lions are becoming more frequent. Wildlife authorities emphasize that learning about mountain lion behavior can help minimize the risk of danger. Among the safety tips offered, perhaps the most obvious and unexpected one is: one should never run from a mountain lion.

Mountain lions mainly hunt deer and other wildlife. These cats are generally secretive animals that avoid people whenever possible, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. They very frequently rely on dense vegetation and rugged terrain to remain hidden, which means many hikers would possibly pass through mountain lion territory without ever seeing one. Increasing development, however, and recreational use of mountain areas have led to more situations where people and lions occupy the same spaces, states Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Mountain lions are ambush predators that rely on stalking prey and then chasing animals that try to escape. When a person runs, it can activate the same instinct that drives a lion to pursue a fleeing deer. Wildlife experts warn that running may increase the chance of an attack rather than prevent one.


Simply standing your ground and maintaining eye contact damages the predator’s hunting behavior and signals that the person is not typical prey. Predators often respond to movement, as stated by researchers and conservation groups who study cougar behavior. The sudden motion can trigger a chase response even if the predator was not actively hunting beforehand when prey animals flee (MountainLion.org).

Several steps are recommended if a mountain lion is encountered on a trail or in the wilderness. Staying calm and facing the animal is the first step. Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or opening a jacket, and slowly back away while keeping the lion in sight. If the animal approaches while making noises, throwing objects, or waving your arms may help scare it away, explains Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

These actions signal that the person is not an easy target. These attacks can occur, although rarely. A fatal mountain lion attack took place near Crosier Mountain in January 2026, which marks the state’s first deadly encounter in more than twenty years. Investigators later identified two lions involved in the incident, and one animal was confirmed to have human DNA on its paws, reported Associated Press. Colorado has recorded 25 mountain lion attacks on humans since 1990, with several occurring in recent years. Wildlife officials believe the increase is partly due to expanding human activity in mountain lion habitat as mentioned by Colorado Virtual Library.

Yet, in spite of these incidents, mountain lions are still a vital part of the Colorado ecosystem. They help manage the deer population and maintain the balance of nature. Wildlife managers have outlined plans to manage mountain lions and minimize conflicts with humans. (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) For hikers and other mountain users, knowledge is the best defense against mountain lions and helps you distinguish between a close call and a serious encounter. Reminding oneself that running can trigger a mountain lion's chase instinct can help one understand the importance of being deliberate in mountain lion encounters.